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I bought my dream car last year, fully restored '72 Elkhart Green. Before that first wash I did a little research and bought a soft washing mitt and microfiber towels for drying. that was going well but now when i dry i seem to get streaks. And now it's time to wax and I'm extremely nervous about it. Also what do I use to clean wheels and tires?
what wash/wax routine should I be doing, products to be using?
I bought my dream car last year, fully restored '72 Elkhart Green. Before that first wash I did a little research and bought a soft washing mitt and microfiber towels for drying. that was going well but now when i dry i seem to get streaks. And now it's time to wax and I'm extremely nervous about it. Also what do I use to clean wheels and tires?
what wash/wax routine should I be doing, products to be using?
Thanks
when you wash a car, when you dry it it should only be clean water you are drying off it. If you are getting any dirt colour on your microfibre or chamois, or leaving any streaks, it isn't just clean water you are wiping off. And the car isn't clean enough yet to start drying.
Are you using a bucket and pail? coin-op pressure washer?
Slow down and clean it good, taking your time with lots of water.
Then dry it.
Also if you are wiping dirt around you are also microscopically scratching the paint. this is the worst on black cars.
when you wash a car, when you dry it it should only be clean water you are drying off it. If you are getting any dirt colour on your microfibre or chamois, or leaving any streaks, it isn't just clean water you are wiping off. And the car isn't clean enough yet to start drying.
Are you using a bucket and pail? coin-op pressure washer?
Slow down and clean it good, taking your time with lots of water.
Then dry it.
Also if you are wiping dirt around you are also microscopically scratching the paint. this is the worst on black cars.
i am using 2 pails one for soap and one to rinse the mitt.
the streaks aren't dirt, it's like an oily rainbow film that is left behind on the car. sorry, i should've been more specific.
Hi MMp,
Welcome!
A 72!! Very nice!!!
I would think it might important to know what kind of paint is on your car. Not the 'brand', but the type… it could be a base coat/clear coat, maybe 'single stage', or even acrylic lacquer.
Do you happen to know the answer?
The type of paint on the car WILL affect how you maintain it.
How about a couple of pictures when you get a chance?
Regards,
Alan
Hi MMp,
Welcome!
A 72!! Very nice!!!
I would think it might important to know what kind of paint is on your car. Not the 'brand', but the type… it could be a base coat/clear coat, maybe 'single stage', or even acrylic lacquer.
Do you happen to know the answer?
The type of paint on the car WILL affect how you maintain it.
How about a couple of pictures when you get a chance?
Regards,
Alan
i have all of the restoration papers so i will check on the paint.
i am using 2 pails one for soap and one to rinse the mitt.
the streaks aren't dirt, it's like an oily rainbow film that is left behind on the car. sorry, i should've been more specific.
the oily film is likely road film. oil from leaking cars mixed with rain water misting and spraying on your car. Do you drive in the rain?
You need a soap that will degrease, but not strip all the wax off.
If it is the acrylic lacquer...I went through this problem myself. I spent about $100 trying different microfiber towels to find some that would not scratch. I Have a few now that are pretty good, the Zaino borderless blonde, and something else from The Rag Company. There is a lot to learn about not scratching the car.
There are some great youtube videos by detailing professionals. Ammonyc has some great vids.
I will wash at the quarter operated wash down the street and wax it with a liquid wax, can't remember what brand.
Are you hosing the soap off, or wiping it off with the "rinsed mitt"? You should be hosing all the soapy water off before you dry it. If you dry it with a shammy or one of these, it shouldn't streak. I use the absorber and it stores damp back in it's container and stays soft.
Are you hosing the soap off, or wiping it off with the "rinsed mitt"? You should be hosing all the soapy water off before you dry it. If you dry it with a shammy or one of these, it shouldn't streak. I use the absorber and it stores damp back in it's container and stays soft.
i rinse completely with the hose and then dry. I will check the absorber out. thanks!
I have been useing Mothers paste wax in the can for 30 years and think it's the best. In between I use Gliptone body gloss spray detailer on my 70 and Hummer H3. As we speak just got done doing both the 70 and H3 as it is a beautiful day here in NJ.
03-22-2016, 03:22 PM
New C3 owner needs washing/waxing advice
